According to published reports, Boyds' 120,000-sf Gettysburgflagship cost $11.2 million, an investment that was recouped with$16 million in sales during its first year of operations. Thedesigner, importer and distributor of plush bears and othergiftware plans two additional units each year, beginning in 2005and following the opening of this year's 110,000-sf Pigeon Forgeunit. The stores mix retailing with entertainment and includemultiple eateries and a museum.

Feast brings nearly 30 years of retail development, managementand merchandising experience to the table. For the past 16 years heheld various positions with San Francisco-based DFS (Duty FreeShoppers) Group Limited, managing DFS retail real estate worldwide.Before that, he was acting regional director for Disney Stores,responsible for operations at its 85 units.

Calling this "an important juncture for our company," JanMurely, CEO, says that as a result of the success of its storehere, "the company is pursuing a retail expansion strategy focusedon family-oriented tourist destinations throughout the country."Founded in 1979, Boyds sells its branded plush and giftwareproducts through independent gift and collectibles retailers andselect department stores, catalogs and electronic retail channelsin addition to its own store.